I left on the last day of school with about 30 books I planned on reading over the summer. I mixed in a few of my own books and books from the public library as well. My to be read list is still VERY long, but at least I crossed a few off. Stop by The Hideout and share what you read this summer on the Summer Reading display.

Countdown follows 12-year-old Franny during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Every couple of chapters the author included images and newspaper clippings from that time. This was a really cool way to get into Franny's world and see the things she was seeing. At one point in the book Franny watches President Kennedy give a speech on tv. The full text and a image of President Kennedy giving the speech was included on the next page.

I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what comes next. This is book one in the Sixties Trilogy.

Mrs. Barnesmrserb05@gmail.comcountdown1https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mpjhreads/78884566744917960322011-12-05T19:25:07.841Z2011-12-05T19:25:07.845Z2011-12-05T19:25:07.830ZTruce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting

Very interesting story about the December 25, 1914 truce between German and British soldiers. These men who had been fighting, and would continue to fight, laid down their weapons and met in No Man's Land to celebrate Christmas together. They took pictures (many included in the book), sang songs, and exchanged some gifts. If you enjoy history and want to know more about WWI this is a great read.

This was a really interesting read. Don't pick this up if you are looking for some feel good entertainment. This is a detailed look into the lives of young people during Hitler's time in power. I love history and trying to understand just how things happened.

Mrs. Barnesmrserb05@gmail.comhitleryouthgrowingupinhitlersshadow1https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mpjhreads/35143499743495065562011-10-26T15:36:14.957Z2011-10-26T15:36:14.965Z2011-10-26T15:36:14.930ZOkay for Now

I LOVED this book! A student told me he enjoyed this one so I picked it up without even reading the inside cover. I laughed, I cried, and I'm still thinking about Doug and Lil.

When Doug's father loses yet another job the family has to move. With his oldest brother fighting in Vietnam and his other brother quickly labeled as the town criminal this year isn't looking great for Doug. When he meets Lil Spicer and she helps him get a job at her dad's store things start to look better.

Moose's father gets a new job as a security guard at Alcatrez prison and the family moves to the island. Now Moose has to fit in with a new crowd, learn the island rules, and keep an eye on his autistic sister. The family moved just so she could go to a new school. Will she get in?

This book is really neat! Each page focuses on a different region and points out the special events that happened there for the first time. It's great if you have just a few minutes and don't feel like getting involved in a story. Each time I pick it up I find something new and interesting. Do you know where and when cell phone call was made? Or who is the world's oldest bungee jumper? You can find out in Atlas of Firsts.

Mrs. Barnesmrserb05@gmail.comatlasoffirstsbyclivegifford1https://sites.google.com/feeds/content/site/mpjhreads/35617278445708174442011-09-15T14:46:14.927Z2011-09-15T14:54:36.450Z2011-09-15T14:54:36.378ZThe Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Four girls and their mothers create a book club and over the
course of a year read Louisa May Alcott’s Little
Women.Each mother daughter pair is
very different and their differences allow them to help each other through all
the ups and downs of their 6th grade year. This book made me wish I was part of a book
club like this one. I moved right before fourth grade and that summer and some
of the friends I made that year I still consider my closest friends. The
friendships in this story reminded me of my friendships. It also made me want
to reread Little Women! There was sports action, boy drama, and even a
little history. I can’t wait to read the next one!

I picked this one up because it was highly recommended by a
friend and I should listen to her more often! This book had a little bit of
everything and definitely kept me reading to find out what would happen next.
When Toby gets a summer job at the new pizza place he has no idea what is in
store for his summer. How was he supposed to know that his town was infested
with monsters and everyone was in danger? Will he make a good Monster Combat
Officer? Or will he left his friends and his town down? I guess you will have to read it to find out!